Case study 1 - Traumatic reticulopericarditis

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QUs

Why does the cow have jugular venous distension?

pulse in jugular vein = normal

no valves between great veins and atrium -> cont column of blood

atrium contraction = retrograde pressure wave

pulse in jugular = corresponds with contraction of atria

RSHF - elevation of jugular venous pulse recorded in clin exam in humans

more pressure -> reflected further up jugular vein

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2. Why are her heart sounds muffled?

heart sounds represent closing of valves

muffled - sound not transmitted as well

solid mass blocking

fill space around heart -> pericardial sac filled with purulent inflammatory exudate -> muffled sounds

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3. Why has she developed submandibular oedema?

species diffs = ruminants show most dramatic submandibular oedema

raise starlings hydrostatic pressure in capillary beds

upset balance at arterial end of capillary bed

congested capillary bed

increased pressure

not as much resorption at venous end -> local oedema

termed bottle jaw

also in brisket in ruminants

dogs = ascites in RSHF -> lymphatic drainage

cats - hydrothorax

horse - gravitational oedema in subcutis of ventral trunk and distal limbs 'stockings'

oedema explained by starlings forces - upsetting 1 of 4 forces

interstitial fluid and blood

all forms or oedema - 1 or more of 4 forces

gravitational forces - predisposes to submandibular oedema

loose subcutis -> upset forces -> looser conn tissue -> more dramatic oedema

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4. Why has she lost weight?

5. Why is she weak and reluctant to move?

capacity to obtain and absorb food decreased

peritonitis

infection - high metabolic rate

gut stasis

not eating

reluctant to move - pain response

all these factors contribute to condition